So, we made tuna melts and now we need some sides, right? Tuna melts alone are great, but pair them with the right sides and they’re a knock-out meal. We’ve got ideas that’ll make your tastebuds do a happy dance.
Remember those epic combos from school lunches? We’re channeling that vibe here. This isn’t fancy stuff, just good eats. Let’s upgrade our tuna melt game with some tasty sides that complement it perfectly.
Ready to find your new favorite combo? Let’s get to it!

Top 10 Side Dishes for Tuna Melts
Here are our top 10 picks for the best sides to pair with tuna melts:
Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Tomato Soup | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth, cream | Savory, creamy | Moderate | 30 min |
Potato Chips | Potatoes, oil, salt | Salty, crispy | Easy | 20 min |
Dill Pickle Spears | Cucumbers, vinegar, dill, garlic | Tangy, herbal | Easy | 10 min |
Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, sugar | Creamy, sweet-sour | Easy | 15 min |
Macaroni Salad | Pasta, veggies, mayo, mustard, vinegar | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 30 min |
Fruit Salad | Mixed fruits, honey, lemon juice | Sweet, refreshing | Easy | 20 min |
Potato Salad | Potatoes, eggs, mayo, mustard, pickles | Creamy, tangy | Moderate | 45 min |
Baked Beans | Beans, bacon, brown sugar, mustard | Sweet, savory | Easy | 1 hr |
Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, salt, pepper | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 15 min |
Garlic Bread | Bread, butter, garlic, parsley | Garlicky, buttery | Easy | 10 min |
1 – Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is creamy, savory, and just a bit tangy. We love its comforting warmth. Perfect with tuna melts.
The rich tomato flavor pairs amazingly. The slight acidity cuts through the tuna’s richness.
Add croutons for a crunchy twist. We’ve tried it with basil; it’s fantastic.
This pairing is a classic for a reason.
2 – Potato Chips
Potato chips bring that salty crunch we love. Perfect for tuna melts. Crisp, golden slices coated in seasoning. Amazing flavor balance.
We’ve had them with sea salt—simple and perfect. Barbecue chips add a sweet, smoky kick.
Grab your favorite bag. Stay classic or go wild. We always have a bag ready.
3 – Dill Pickle Spears
Who doesn’t love a good dill pickle spear? They’re crunchy, tangy, and a bit briny. They cut through the richness of tuna melts like a pro. We love the crisp bite paired with the creamy tuna.
These spears add a sharp contrast. They’re like a zesty exclamation point beside your sandwich. Perfect for adding that needed crunch!
4 – Coleslaw
Coleslaw brings a fresh crunch and tangy flavor. Perfect for tuna melts.
We love its cool, creamy texture. It contrasts with the warm, melty tuna.
There’s a hint of sweetness, too. It adds a nice balance.
We usually make ours with a bit of vinegar and mayo. Classic and satisfying.
5 – Macaroni Salad
Coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch and tangy zing. We love the cool, creamy texture against the warm tuna melt.
It has a hint of sweetness that balances the salty richness. We make ours with vinegar and mayo—classic and satisfying.
It’s like a crisp, flavorful sidekick to the tuna. Perfect balance. Worth it every time.
6 – Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a fresh, sweet balance to tuna melts. We adore the mix of juicy berries and crisp apple chunks. It’s a burst of natural sweetness that contrasts with the savory tuna. It’s light, refreshing, and super satisfying.
We usually go with seasonal fruits. They add vibrant colors to our plate. A perfect palate cleanser towards the end.
7 – Potato Salad
Potato salad is creamy, rich, and tangy. Perfect for our tuna melts. The potatoes are soft with a slight bite. They pair beautifully with the savory tuna.
We like ours with mayo, mustard, and a bit of apple cider vinegar. The flavors meld wonderfully. It’s a hearty, satisfying side. Always a favorite at our table.
8 – Baked Beans
Baked beans are hearty, sweet, and smoky. They complement the tuna melt’s savory profile perfectly. The beans are tender, offering a smooth texture. We love that touch of molasses.
We also appreciate how they add a bit of heft to the meal. It’s like bringing comfort food to the table. Always a satisfying choice.
9 – Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob adds a summer vibe. Grilled or boiled, it’s sweet and juicy. Each bite gives us that satisfying crunch. We love brushing it with butter and a bit of salt. It’s simple but delicious.
The buttery goodness complements the tuna melt perfectly. A go-to side for that extra flavor boost.
10 – Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a warm, buttery staple. It’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. We love the bold garlic flavor. It’s aromatic and mouthwatering.
This side pairs great with tuna melts. The richness complements perfectly. Our go-to for a flavorful crunch.
Add extra herbs for a fresh twist. Simple, tasty, and always satisfying.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.